The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ I swear by this city -- 1 And thou shalt be allowed in yonder city 2 And by oath of your forefather Ibrahim, and by you – his illustrious son! 3 Verily, We have created man in toil. 4 Does he think that none has power over him! 5 He says, "I have spent enormous wealth." 6 What, does he think none has seen him? 7 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8 and a tongue and two lips? 9 And did We not show him the two highroads (of good and evil)? 10 But he would not try to ascend the steep uphill road... 11 And what have you understood, what the valley is! 12 (It is) to free a slave, 13 Or to feed in times of famine 14 The orphan near in relationship, 15 or a needy man in misery; 16 and being, withal, of those who have attained to faith, and who enjoin upon one another patience in adversity, and enjoin upon one another compassion. 17 These are the people of the right. 18 As for those who rejected Our Signs, they are the People of the Left Hand. 19 Over them shall be Fire closing round. 20